March 31 - Collecting Elvis Cars

Originally announced in February more details became available for Sean O'Neal's upcomming book entitled "Collecting Elvis Presley - The 1950's". The book is due this summer and had Joe Krein as one of the contributors using 100s of images from his collection. 
The book includes:
• 700 Color Photographs of Elvis Memorabilia
• Selection of never before pictured Elvis collector's items
• Current Market Value of each item
• Tips for making sure that you buy authentic Elvis collectibles
• History of EPE (Elvis Presley Enterprises).

 Ernie Barrasso Died



Memphis legend Ernie Barrasso died Saturday after a long illness. Ernie lived his life with style and humor, generosity, and charm. His big thrill came after running with Red West and the Elvis Gang; he used to join them when they rented out the roller skating rink and the movie theaters after hours with Elvis and his many friends. One afternoon while watching television at Elvis’ house, an advertisement came on the TV showing the new Thunderbird sport car for Ford Motor Company. Elvis asked Ernie if he had seen the car, because he thought it was really cool, and that there was only a few Ford dealerships that were allowed to sell the car, as it was a limited edition. 
Ernie told Elvis that they had a red one on the showroom floor where he worked. Elvis told him he wanted to come by the next morning to see it. Elvis met Ernie at the lot, saw the car and told Ernie “he would take it”. After doing the paperwork Elvis got in the car and someone snapped a picture of Elvis sitting in the front seat with Ernie standing by the open door. 

(Source: ElvisMatters / Essential Elvis)

March 30 - Kid Galahad Wild In The Country!

The Flashlight Records budget label (Cargo Records) announced the release of "The Wild In The Country And Flaming Star Sessions", "Jailhouse Rock - The Alternate Album" and the "Kid Galahad Sessions" CDs. Bothe are due April 30, 2012.

From the site:

The Wild In The Country & Flaming Star Sessions

Flaming Star & Wild In The Country, Elvis' 6th & 7th movie. The songs from both movies didn't make it to an lp. There wasn't a real sountrack available, some songs were featured on the FLAMING STAR ep and some on 45rpm. Some of the tracks from the movie Wild In The Country didn't make it to an actual release untill 1965. 
Now this release features more then 30 previously unreleased takes from the Wild In The Country & Flaming Star sessions. Flashlight Records presents them here for the first time with many unreleased bonus tracks and even unreleased movie versions. Hear Elvis as you didn't hear him before!

Jailhouse Rock The Alternate Album

Jailhouse Rock, Elvis' third movie and considered an icon in movie history.
This cd features the music recorded for this movie, but for the first time this release features the movie versions and even some brand new remixes. Hear Jailhouse Rock in an alternate way! 13 tracks are unreleased in this form on cd. Hear Elvis as you have never heard him before!

The Kid Galahad Session

Kid Galahad, Elvis' 10th movie which also features Charles Bronson. Again the sountrack recorded for this movie didn't make it to an LP. An extended play was released in 1962. This release features 50 previously unreleased takes from the Kid Galahad sessions. Hear Elvis fool around and get hold of the songs. This is Elvis as you didn't hear him before!

The Wild In The Country And Flaming Star Sessions

Flaming Star Masters:
Flaming Star - Summer Kisses Winter Tears
The Alternates:
Summer Kisses Winter Tears (Take 20) - Summer Kisses Winter Tears (Take 21 – 23) - Summer Kisses Winter Tears (Take 24) - Summer Kisses Winter Tears (Take 25) - Summer Kisses Winter Tears (Take 26) - Britches (Take 1) - Britches (Take 2 & 3)- Britches (Take 4) - Britches (Take 6) - Flaming Star (Backing Track) - Flaming Star (Backing Track & Vocal Overdub 3 & 2 Channel Mix)
The Wild In The Country Masters:
Wild In The Country - I Slipped I Stumbled I Fell - Lonely Man Record Version
The Alternates:
Wild In The Country (Take 3) - Wild In The Country (Take 4) - Wild In The Country (Take 5) - Wild In The Country (Take 6) - Wild In The Country (Take 7) - Wild In The Country (Take 8) - Wild In The Country (Take 9) - Wild In The Country (Take 1) - Wild In The Country (Take 17) - Wild In The Country (Take 18) - Wild In The Country (Take 19 - Count In + Master) - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (Take 4) - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (Take 5) - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (Take 6) - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (Take 10) - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (Take 12) - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (Take 13 - Count In + Master) - I Slipped, I Stumbled, I Fell (Take 17) - In My Way (Solo - Take 3) - In My Way (Solo - Take 7)
Flaming Star - Movie Versions:
Flaming Star - A Cane And A High Starched Collar
Wild In The Country - Movie Version:
I Slipped I Stumbled I Fell - In My Way - Husky Dusky Day
Bonus - Flaming Star: 
Trailer 1 - Trailer 2 - Trailer 3 - Trailer 4 - Trailer 5 - Trailer 6 - Trailer 7

The Kid Galahad Sessions - Elvis Presley
King Of The Whole Wide World (Take 18) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Take 19) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Take 22) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Take 23) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Take 24) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Take 26) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Take 27) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Take 28) - King Of The Whole Wide World (Take 29) -A Whistling Tune (Take 1) - A Whistling Tune (Take 3 - 7) - A Whistling Tune (Take 8) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 4)- Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 5) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 8) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 9) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 11) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 12) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 15) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 16) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 17) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 18) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 19) - Home Is Where The Heart Is (Take 20) - Riding The Rainbow (Take 2) - Riding The Rainbow (Take 3) - Riding The Rainbow (Take 4) - Riding The Rainbow (Take 5) - Riding The Rainbow (Take 6) - Riding The Rainbow (Take 8) - Riding The Rainbow (Take 9) - Riding The Rainbow (Take 1) - Riding The Rainbow (Take 2) - Riding The Rainbow (Take 3) - Riding The Rainbow (Take 5) - Riding The Rainbow (Take 6) - Riding The Rainbow (Take 7) - I Got Lucky (Take 2) - I Got Lucky (Take 3) - I Got Lucky (Take 4) - I Got Lucky (Take 5) - I Got Lucky (Take 1) - This Is Living (Take 1) - This Is Living (Take 3) - This Is Living (Take 4) - This Is Living (Take 5) - This Is Living (Take 6) - This Is Living (Take 7) - This Is Living (Take 8) - This Is Living (Take 9)

Elvis Presley In Jailhouse Rock - The Alternate Album
Jailhouse Rock - Treat Me Nice - I Want To Be Free - Don't Leave Me Now - Young And Beautiful - Baby I Don't Care
The Move Versions: 
Jailhouse Rock - Jailhouse Rock (Version 2) - Young And Beautiful (Version 1) - Young And Beautiful (Version 2) - Don't Leave Me Now (Version 1) - Don't Leave Me Now (Version) - I Want To Be Free - Treat Me Nice - Young And Beautiful (Version 3)
From The Session:
Young And Beautiful (Spliced Take) - Young And Beautiful (Take 19)
Bonus Songs:
Baby I Don't Care (Remix) - Jailhouse Rock (Remix #1) - Jailhouse Rock (Remix #2) - One More Day (Mickey Shaughnessy) - Inside Look At Jailhouse Rock With Assistant Director Bob Relyea

Chart

This week, 'An Afternoon In The Garden' rises from #200 to #191 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Chart (w/e 7th April, 2012) selling some 2668 copies. Total sales to date: 449,905 copies. It was also at #47 on the Catalog Album Chart.

The following also appeared on the Catalog Album Charts:

• 'Elvis: Best Of Love' selling some 2339 copies. Total sales to date: 250,950.
• 'Elvis Rock' (Compilation) selling some 1432 copies. Total sales 158,228 copies.
• 'Elvis Country' (Compilation) selling some 1258 copies. Total sales to date: 100,861 copies.
• 'Elvis Inspirational' (Compilation) selling 1238 copies. Total sales 78,881copies.
• 'Elvis Gospel'/'An Evening Prayer' (Compilation) selling some 1180 copies. Total sales to date: 148,340 copies.
• 'Elvis: 30 No.1 Hits' (Download Sales Only) selling some 511 copies. Total sales to date: 135,310 copies. 

Elvis’ Friend Bill Morris in Memphis Magazine

 

Another Memphian known for his contributions to the city is being featured in the April issue of Memphis Magazine. Bill Morris, former Shelby County Sheriff, mayor, and close friend of Elvis, lays his life out in an article called "Taking Care of Business: The Bill Morris Scrapbook." 

The story is about Morris's childhood, friendship with Elvis, career, and years spent in politics. Morris shares photos from his personal collection including several of his time spent with Elvis. "Elvis was youthful and playful. We would shoot roman candles at each other and use garbage can lids to defend ourselves," said Morris. 

Morris also describes Elvis as a giving man who often spent his fame and fortune helping others in Memphis and across the world. "When he made his first money, he gave $50,000 to the city to distribute to charity. He wrote checks to St. Jude early on and lots of them. I asked that the trauma center at The Med be named in his honor, because I thought it reflected another side of Elvis beyond his talents as a performer."

(Source: FECC / ElvisMatters / Cargo Records)

March 28 - Rock, Sex And Roll Is Labor Day Madness!

The Straight Arrow import label announced the release 'Labor Day Madness!'. The label also announced that the 'Watching Your Dreams Into Ashes' CD was released.


From the press-release:
This time around fans may thrill to two fantastic Nevada summer performances by the King: the Saturday, September 2, 1972 Special 3AM Show and the Sunday, September 3, 1972 Midnight Show. Both were recorded by the same super-fan, and the Sunday tape is previously-unreleased. The set will be housed in a deluxe digipack, with photos taken from the 1972 "Summer Festival."
As usual, the recordings are excellent quality, sourced from first-generation, 1981 cassette copies of the original mono tapes.
Sit down, relax, put on a pair of comfortable headphones, and be transported back to a crazy Labor Day weekend at the Hilton, where Elvis was rocking fans and celebrities alike. Elvis looked great and he sang even better!


Trackslisting: 
CD 1 / Saturday, September 2, 1972, Special 3AM Show 
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. Johnny B. Goode - 04. Until It's Time For You To Go - 05. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - 06. Polk Salad Annie - 07. Instrumental intermezzo / Elvis talks - 08. What Now My Love - 09. Fever - 10. Love Me - 11. Blue Suede Shoes - 12. Heartbreak Hotel - 13. All ShookUp - 14. Love Me Tender - 15. Hound Dog - 16. I'll Remember You - 17. Walk That Lonesome Road (J. D. Sumner and the Stamps) - 18. Suspicious Minds - 19. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 20. Introduction of celebrities Bob Dover, Gunther Gebel-Williams, Shirley MacLaine, Marty Allen, Pat Henry, Tom Jones, Leslie Uggams and the 5th Dimension - 21. My Way - 22. A Big Hunk O' Love - 23. You Gave Me A Mountain - 24. Mystery Train / Tiger Man - 25. Can't Help Falling In Love - 26. Closing Vamp / Announcements.


CD 2 / Sunday, September 3, 1972, Midnight Show 
01. Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - 02. C. C. Rider - 03. Johnny B. Goode - 04. Until It's Time For You To Go - 05. You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - 06. Polk Salad Annie - 07. Instrumental intermezzo / Elvis talks - 08. What Now My Love - 09. Fever - 10. Love Me - 11. Blue Suede Shoes - 12. Heartbreak Hotel - 13. All Shook Up - 14. Love Me Tender - 15. Hound Dog - 16. I'll Remember You - 17. Walk That Lonesome Road (J. D. Sumner and the Stamps) - 18. Suspicious Minds - 19. Introduction of vocalists, musicians - 20. My Way - 21. A Big Hunk O' Love - 22. You Gave Me A Mountain - 23. Mystery Train / Tiger Man - 24. Can't Help Falling In Love - 25. Closing Vamp.

Rock, Sex And Roll Out Now


JAT Publishing has just released ''Rock, Sex And Roll''. We're happy to announce all orders have been shipped and it's almost sold out. For a very limited time with a free 2012 calendar with each book. 


Elvis Rocks Released


Announced for release from EP Records in a new series entitled 'March 1974 Tour' is the longbox package 'March 1974 Tour - Volume 1: Elvis Rocks Auburn' containing an audiencerecording from March 5, 1974 (08.30 PM) as recorded at the University Memorial Coliseum in Auburn / Alabama. Volume 2, "Elvis Rocks Montgomery" was announced too. It contains a recording from March 6, 1974 (08.30 PM) from Montgomery, AL.

(Source: FECC)

March 27 - Follow Me To April

The Follow That Dream Collector's label announced the releases fro the end of April 2012; a new CD, book and vinyl album.

Another Saturday Night
If one place is to be picked as the most important in the career of Elvis Presley, it is without doubt Shreveport in the northwest part of Louisiana. The exposure that Elvis got through the radio broadcast of The Louisiana Hayride in 1954-56 was one of the key factors of establishing the early part of his career. With the exception of Las Vegas, there is no place where Elvis played more shows, and his return to the city in 1975 was like a homecoming to both Elvis and the many fans he had there since he started out. We have chosen to release the soundboard from the evening show of June 7 – definitely a show that Elvis and the audience truly enjoy, and with a great set list featuring old and new favourites. The CD comes in a 5” digipack with an eight-page booklet featuring photos from the June 1975 tour.

Welcome Home Elvis 1961
Flaming Star, in collaboration with FTD, publishes a 260 pages book about the vital weeks in 1960 where Elvis regained control over his career. The format is the same as the well-known FTD book format (King Creole - The Music and A Moment In Time). The book includes: More than 300 photos, many of them previously unpublished, text by David English and a CD with the original mono master for “ELVIS IS BACK”. Pictures include Elvis coming home from the army, several press conferences, pictures at Graceland, coverage of the Sinatra TV show and much more.


Promised Land - The Companion Album
FTD vinyl is pleased to announce the release of “Promised Land – The Companion Album” - A Special Limited Edition 2-disc 180-gram vinyl set.
• Disc 1- alternative version of album featuring Stax outtakes
• Disc 2 – STAX more outtakes!
• Vinyl cutting by Abbey Road Studios
• DMM Copper Mastering
• 180 Grams heavyweight vinyl
• Strictly limited pressing


For June / July rumor has it that a five and seven inch CD, a vinyl set and a new book are in the works. Several sites mention "Elvis G.I. Blues Volume 1" as the seven inch release and a rehearsal as the five inch CD. 


Trackllisting Another Saturday Night

lso Sprach Zarathustra (06.10.1975 - Memphis, Tennessee) - See See Rider (06.10.1975 - Memphis, Tennessee) - I Got A Woman / Amen (06.10.1975 - Memphis, Tennessee) - Love Me - If You Love Me, Let Me Know - Love Me Tender - All Shook Up - Teddy Bear / Don't Be Cruel - Hound Dog - The Wonder Of You - Burning Love - Introductions / Johnny B. Goode - Introductions / School Day - T-R-O-U-B-L-E - Why Me Lord - How Great Thou Art - Let Me Be There - An American Trilogy - Funny How Time Slips Away - Little Darlin' - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - Can't Help Falling In Love
Bonus Songs:
I'll Remember You (02.06.1975 - Mobile, Alabama) - Hawaiian Wedding Song (03.06.1975 - Tuscaloosa, Alabama) - Bridge Over Troubled Water (03.06.1975 - Tuscaloosa, Alabama)

Tracklisting Promised Land

Side A
1. Promised Land – takes 3, 4 
2. There’s A Honky Tonk Angel (Who Will Take Me Back In) – take 4 + composite of takes 5, 3, 8 
3. Help Me – take 1 (f.s.+ remixed master)   
4. Mr. Songman – take 2 
5. Love Song Of The Year – take 1  
6. Promised Land 
Side B1. It’s Midnight – take 7 (3:45)
2. Your Love’s Been A Long Time Coming - take 10 (3:54)
3. If You Talk In Your Sleep – take 5 (2:28)
4. Thinking About You – take 4 (4:03)
5. You Asked Me To – take 3A (3:31)
6. There’s A Honky Tonk Angel (Who Will Take Me Back In) – take 1
Side C
1. Promised Land – take 5 (3:37)
2. Love Song Of The Year – takes 3, 4, 6
3. It’s Midnight – take 11 (3:23)
4. You Asked Me To – take 2B (3:54)
5. Thinking About You – take 3 (4:06)
Side D
1. If You Talk In Your Sleep - take 9 (undubbed master)
2. You Asked Me To – takes 1, 2A
3. There’s A Honky Tonk Angel (Who Will Take Me Back In) – takes 6, 7
4. Mr. Songman – takes 3, 5
5. Promised Land – take 6 (undubbed master) 


(Source: ElvisMatters)

March 26 - A September Weekend At The Hilton

On the FECC forum a posting announced the release of a new double pack by the Straight Arrow import label containing the Saturday, September 2, 1972 3AM Show and the Sunday, September 3, 1972 Midnight Show, both recorded from the audience at the Las Vegas Hilton, Las Vegas, NV. This release is part of the Straight Arrow Special Products series.


From the Posting:
All photos of Elvis in his 'Porthole suit' were taken at the Hilton hotel in late August / early September 1972.


Technical information:
The September 2, 1972 3AM show was issued in 2003 by Memory Records ("King Of The Neon Jungle", CDMR 2030-2). September 3, 1972 Midnight show is previously unissued. Straight Arrow offers both concerts as recorded by the same fan, taken directly from a first-generation, 1981 cassette copies of the original tapes. They are presented in superb monaural sound.


Tracklisting:

CD 1 - 02.09.1972 / 3am Show:
Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - C. C. Rider - Johnny B. Goode - Until It's Time For You To Go - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - Polk Salad Annie - Instrumental - Intermezzo / Elvis Talks - What Now My Love - Fever - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes - Heartbreak Hotel - All Shook Up - Love Me Tender - Hound Dog - I'll Remember You - Walk That Lonesome Road (J. D. Sumner & The Stamps) - Suspicious Minds - Introduction Of Vocalists, Musicians -  Introduction Of Celebrities Bob Dover, Gunther Gebel-Williams, Shirley MacLaine, Marty Allen, Pat Henry, Tom Jones, Leslie Uggams & The 5th Dimension - My Way - A Big Hunk O' Love - You Gave Me A Mountain - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp / Announcements


CD 2 -  03.09.1972 / M/S:
Introduction: Also Sprach Zarathustra - C. C. Rider - Johnny B. Goode - Until It's Time For You To Go - You Don't Have To Say You Love Me - Polk Salad Annie - Instrumental - Intermezzo / Elvis Talks - What Now My Love - Fever - Love Me - Blue Suede Shoes - Heartbreak Hotel - All Shook Up - Love Me Tender - Hound Dog - I'll Remember You - Walk That Lonesome Road (J. D. Sumner & The Stamps) - Suspicious Minds - Introduction Of Vocalists, Musicians - My Way - A Big Hunk O' Love - You Gave Me A Mountain - Mystery Train / Tiger Man - Can't Help Falling In Love - Closing Vamp


(Source: FECC)

March 24 - Flashlights Out

Elvis Presley photographer Bob Heis died. Bob Heis attended many concerts during the seventies and soon became one of Elvis's regular photographers. As a result, was given many of front row sets with an occasional pass from the security to film Elvis up close during these performances. 
Our condolences to his family.


(Source: FECC / ElvisMatters)

March 23 - Acetate Charts And Iconic Auctions

Presley Acetate Recordings from his Hollywood movies have been discovered by The Rare Collections. The collection features movie studio recordings of songs from the Elvis Presley movies; Follow That Dream (1962), Kid Galahad (1962), Flaming Star (1960) and Love Me Tender (1956). The recordings were discovered in a private collection in Orange County, California and are available for sale through The Rare Collections.

Billboard Charts

The Billboard charts for the week ending March 31, 2012.

• 'An Afternoon In The Garden' drops from #184 to #200 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts selling some 2,804 copies. Total sales to date: 447,237 copies.

The following also appeared on the Catalog Album Charts:

• 'Elvis: Best Of Love' selling some 2,300 copies. Total sales to date: 248,611 copies.
• 'Elvis Rock' (Compilation) selling some 1527 copies. Total sales to date: 156,796 copies.
• ''Elvis Inspirational' (Compilation) selling some 1520 copies. Total sales to date: 79,984 copies.
• 'Elvis Country' (Compilation) selling some 1,367 copies. Total sales to date: 99,603.
• 'Elvis: 30 No.1 Hits' (Digital Sales Only) selling some 702 copies. Total digital sales to date: 134,799 copies.
• 'Elvis: Christmas Duets' selling some 12 copies. Total sales to date: 490,087 copies.

 New Elvis Auctions

 

Elvis Presley's "Jailhouse Rock" Original Dance Sequence Costume, his personal Iconic Harley Davidson Leather Motorcycle Jacket and Tuxedo Pants, a Birthstone Ring and casual clothing. Also for sale are Elvis Presley 's owned and worn blue suede shoes that he signed and inscribed to his long time friend Gary Pepper, who started Elvis' first fan club in Memphis. Elvis has beautifully inscribed the top of the left shoe in black ink to his dear friend. Accompanied by photograph of Elvis signing the shoe. these items, and more are for sale at the next Gotta Have It auction in New York. The auction ends on March 30th. 

Shock Rattle & Roll On The Dorsey Shows

The Golden Archive budget import label will re-issue the original vinyl import releases 'Shock, Rattle And Roll', 'From The Waist Up' and 'Dorsey Shows' on April 23, 2012. 


(Source: Elvis Express / FECC / ElvisMatters)

March 21 - This Is Aloha From Belgium

Volume 6 in the German Elvis Collector's set was released by De Agostini and EPE in Germany. This volume contains the movie 'Speedway', a magazine memorabilia and more. 

40 Years 'Aloha from Hawaii

EPE and ElvisMatters announced the '40 Years Aloha From Hawaii' event. Fans can block the dates Friday Jan 11, Saturday Jan 12 and Sunday Jan 13, 2013.

This Is Elvis

Due for release by Newbury Press is the six-disc audiobook 'This Is Elvis'. The release-date will be announced later.

From the press release:

This volume 1 is part of the 2012 Anniversary tribute, created by Newbury Press for Elvis fans that would like to learn more about their hero Elvis Presley. Taking three years to create, the tribute series audiobook encompasses areas of Elvis' life that have been rarely explored or written about. Carefully researched, and verified by Elvis' right hand man and road manager Diamond Joe Esposito, the information contained in the set will meet the approval of most discerning fans.

(Source: ElvisMatters / FECC / The King's World)

March 20 - Loving You Martha

Martha Esposito, the wife of Elvis Presley's former righthand man Joe Esposito, died tonight after a long illness. Our condolences to Joe and his family.

Friday Vinyl

Friday Music re-issued Elvis Presley's second 1956 RCA album, simply entitled 'Elvis'  on 180gr Vinyl. On April 4, 2012 the label will release "King Creole' while 'Loving You' will be re-issued on 180gr. vinyl on May 15, 2012.

(Source: Amazon / Various)

March 19 - More Vegas Variety

The Rainbow Records import label released volume 9 in their 'Vegas Variety' series featuring the complete performance of December, 1976 Dinner Show at the Las Vegas Hilton Hotel, Nevada. 


From the press-release:
Rainbow Records is able to deliver the third to last Las Vegas performance Elvis ever did. This time the guys from RR managed to obtain the original cassette tape with a recording from this very evening. The fan who recorded the show in 1976 knew exactly how to do it and used two microphones and a very good recorder – so you can expect to hear the show in really good sound. Probably even listenable for the "I don´t like audience recordings" guys out there, who knows? Anyhow - it is important for many Elvis-Fans to have just about every show Elvis ever did in their collection. Unfortunately there is no soundboard or professional recording available for every show. But still we are fortunate enough to hear most of the concerts because of the private recordings many fans did when they visited Elvis in Las Vegas and on his many tours. Those recordings might sound a bit rough to some ears but they are what they are: A document of Elvis´ big output of live performances. As usual a very high quality booklet comes with this release. It has a lot of rare pictures from exactly this show (Dec. 11, 1976 DS) and information covering the magic of Elvis and Las Vegas back in December of 1976 on its 16 pages.

Tracklisting:
01. Also Sprach Zarathustra 02. C. C. Rider 03. I Got A Woman/Amen 04. Love Me 05. You Gave Me A Mountain 06. Rip It Up (part) 07. O Sole Mio (Sherrill Nielsen) / It's Now Or Never 08. Blue Suede Shoes 09. Help Me (with false start) 10. Elvis dedicates 'My Way' to Mr. & Mrs. Beaulieu 11. My Way 12. Introduction of Mr. & Mrs. Beaulieu 13. Band Introductions 14. Early Mornin' Rain 15. What'd I Say 16. Drum Solo (Ronnie Tutt) 17. Bass Solo (Jerry Scheff) 18. Piano Solo (Tony Brown) 19. Happy Birthday to Tony Brown 20. Electric Piano Solo (David Briggs) 21. Love Letters 22. School Day 23. School Day (reprise) 24. Hurt 25. Dialogue 26. Hawaiian Wedding Song 27. Can't Help Falling In Love 28. Closing Vamp 

March 18 - Un Homme, Toute la Musique

The book 'Elvis - un Homme, Toute la Musique' by Jean-Marie Pouzenc was announced with May 24, 2012 as the released-date by Editions-Carpentier. 


Elvis In The 70's


Two new import re-issues were announced; teh 2 CD-set digi-pack 'Elvis In The 70's' and the disrespectful single disc digipack 'Elvis Greatest Sh*t Volume 2'.


From the press-release:

This classic Australian 1975 double album is finally available for the very first time on a silver pressed 2 cd set! Housed in a stunning 6 panel digipack with original artwork and sleeve notes, this 2 disc set contains the original tracklist plus 18 hard to find bonus tracks! Limited edition only of 500 copies. 

Tracklisting Elvis In The 70's:
CD 1:
Burning Love - We Can Make The Morning - Until It’s Time For You To Go - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me - Mama Liked The Roses - It’s A Matter Of Time- I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry - It’s Impossible - Separate Ways - Never Been To Spain - American Trilogy - My Way - Help Me Make It Through The Night - Snowbird - Kentucky Rain - Patch It Up - There Goes My Everything - For The Good Times - You Gave Me A Mountain - Fools Rush In - Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright - Steamroller Blues - Life - Polk Salad Annie - Only Believe


CD 2:
It’s Only Love - Welcome To My World - Johnny B Goode
The Alternates:
Burning Love (Undubbed Master - Take 6) - Only Believe (Brass & string Overdub Master) - It’s A Matter Of Time (Undubbed Master Take 5) - Life (Undubbed Master - Take 20) - For The Good Times (Harmony Vocal Overdub Master) - Separate Ways (Unedited - Take 25) - My Way (Take 3) - Kentucky Rain (Take 7) - Snowbird (Harmony  Vocal Overdub Master) - Help Me Make It Through The Night (Spliced Take) - Mama Liked The Roses (Vocal Overdub NA-1) - Polk Salad Annie (11.08.1972 - Las Vegas) - Steamroller Blues (20.03.1974 - Memphis) - Never Been To Spain (Live) - There Goes My Everything (Take 1) - You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me (Undubbed Master) - Until It’s Time For You To Go (Undubbed Master  Take 8) - It’s Only Love (Undubbed Master - Take 10)

Tracklisting Elvis Greatest Sh*t Volume 2:
A Cane And A High Starched Collar (Spliced Master) - Everybody Come Aboard (Take 9 & 10) - Adam And Evil (Take 1) - It's A Wonderful World - There's Gold In The Mountains - Hard Knocks - Guadalajara (Take 2) - Kismet (Take 2) - Barefoot Ballad - Somkey Mountain Boy - Petunia, The Gardener's Daughter (Insert 1, Take 1 - 3 & 5) - A House Of Sand (Repairs Take 4 - 6) - A Dog's Life (Take 1) - All En El Rancho Grande - Down By The Riverside / When The Saints - Cotton Candy Land (Take 1 - 4) - Britches (Insert 1 Take 1 & Spliced Master) - Froggy Went A Courtin' - Look Out Broadway (Duet With Ray Walker) - Mexico (Take 7 - Alternate Master) - How Would You Like To Be (Take 1) - I Got Lucky (Take 1) - Kissin´ Cousins (Overdub Version) - Who Needs Money? (Spliced Master)


(Source: Elvis Club Berlin / FECC)

March 17 - 360° In Tupelo

A new statue will be revealed in Tupelo this August, work has already begun. Here's the very first picture of the mold for the statue.


Panoramic 360° Graceland Tour


Graceland takes you on a panoramic 360° view of Elvis Presley's home. See where Elvis lived, relaxed and spent time with his friends and family. Take a look at the mansion from the entrance and step inside the foyer, the famous jungle room, and the racquetball trophy room to walk the same footsteps of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. Zoom in and out, it's all possible.

(ElvisMatters / EPE)

March 16 - 50,000,000 Chart

An iconic portrait of Elvis Presley by pop artist Andy Warhol is poised to fetch as much as $50 million when it hits the auction block in May, Sotheby's said on Thursday. The life-size painting, "Double Elvis (Ferus Type)" from 1963, epitomizes Warhol's obsessions with fame, stardom and the public image, according to Sotheby's. 
Estimated to sell for $30 million to $50 million, it will be included in the auction house's May 9 sale of post-war and contemporary art. In the "Double Elvis" work, Elvis is dressed as a cowboy, shooting a gun, a pose from Flaming Star. 
Of 22 works in Warhol's Elvis series which were first exhibited at Los Angeles' Ferus gallery, nine are in museum collections, including the Museum of Modern Art.


Charts

The latest Billboard Album Top 200 and Catalogue Album chartschart for the week ending March 24, 2012:

• 'Elvis: 30 No.1 Hits' re-enters the Top 200 Album Charts at #179 selling some 3,141 copies. Total sales to date: 4,805,033 copies.
• 'An Afternoon In The Garden' also re-enters the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts at #184 selling some 3,104 copies. Total sales to date: 444,433 copies.

The following titles appeared on the Catalog Album Charts:

• 'Elvis: Best Of Love' selling some 2,602 copies. Total sales to date: 246,311 copies.
• 'Elvis Rock' (Compilation) selling some 1,640 copies. Total sales to date: 155,269 copies.
• 'Elvis Country' (Compilation) selling some 1,597 copies. Total sales to date: 99,070 copies.
• 'Elvis Gospel/ An Evening Prayer' (Compilation) selling some 1,577 copies. Total sales to date: 145,877 copies.

Christmas Sales:

• 'Christmas Duets' selling some 17 copies. Total sales to date: 490,075 copies.
• 'Elvis Christmas' selling some 14 copies. Total sales to date: 599,391 copies.

(Source: Briann Quinn / ElvisMatters)

March 15 - Storm and Grace From France

Lisa Marie Presley announced the release of her first album in five years. The album, entitled "Storm and Grace", is scheduled for release in May 15, 2012.

From the pressrelease:
On May 15, Lisa Marie Presley will release "Storm and Grace" – her first album in five years and her Universal Republic/XIX Recordings debut. Presley is managed by Simon Fuller, CEO and Founder of XIX Entertainment. The album was produced by 12-time GRAMMY® winner T Bone Burnett and recorded at The Village in Los Angeles. 


"Storm and Grace" is a marked departure from the hard-edged sound of Presley’s earlier albums – 2003’s RIAA Gold-certified "To Whom It May Concern" and 2005’s "Now What," both of which debuted in the Top 10 of The Billboard 200. The organic instrumentation of "Storm and Grace" reflects her Southern roots, from the ominous, swampy vibe of lead single “You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet” and “Sticks And Stones” to “Soften The Blows” and the achingly beautiful title track, which evoke the ease of an impromptu back porch jam session.


Presley’s smoldering alto is hypnotic in the rootsy opener “Over Me” as she reflects on being replaced in a lover’s affections. While "Storm and Grace" offers an unflinching examination of life and love – beginning with her own shortcomings on “Un-Break” – there is a tender, consoling thread that runs throughout, pointing towards peace and reconciliation. “Weary” may concern a relationship that didn’t work out, but it is suffused with a genuine warmth, as Presley sings: “I will always love you/you can move on, dear.” 

“Just over two years ago, I went to England to attempt to write another record after finding myself in a considerably disheartened and uninspired state creatively. Over an eight-month period, I wrote 30 songs. I was fortunate to be able to write with some incredible artists and singers such as Richard Hawley (from Pulp), Ed Harcourt, Sacha Skarbek and Fran Healy (from Travis), to name a few,” recalls Lisa Marie Presley.  “Nothing was planned or contrived in any way and out of it came a very organic record that was always inside of me and that I am incredibly proud of. It was a dream come true and such an honor when T Bone liked the songs and produced and played on the record.” 
“When songs from Lisa Marie Presley showed up at my door, I was curious. I wondered what the daughter of an American revolutionary music artist had to say. What I heard was honest, raw, unaffected and soulful. I thought her father would be proud of her. The more I listened to the songs, the deeper an artist I found her to be. Listening beyond the media static, Lisa Marie Presley is a Southern American folk music artist of great value,” says T Bone Burnett.
“Her rich, smoky vocals evoke Sheryl Crow and occasionally bear traces of Courtney Love’s ragged disaffection,” said Entertainment Weekly of Presley’s debut album, "To Whom It May Concern", while the Los Angeles Times called the lead single, “Lights Out,” “one of the most hauntingly personal songs” of the year. AllMusic.com praised "Now What" as “genuine…due largely to her willingness to lay herself bare in her music and lyrics.” While it may differ sonically, "Storm and Grace" is equally revealing.  The track listing is as follows:


Track Listing – "Storm and Grace"
1. Over Me 
2. You Ain’t Seen Nothin’ Yet 
3. Weary
4. Close To The Edge 
5. So Long
6. Un-Break
7. Soften The Blows
8. Storm Of Nails
9. How Do You Fly This Plane?
10. Sticks And Stones
11. Storm and Grace 

Elvis My Happiness #79



The French Elvis My Happiness fan-club released the March edition of their self-titled fan-club magazine, volume #79, in color. This edition has articles on King Creole, interview with Linda Thompson, Cliff Richard, the 35th and 77th anniversaries and more. 

(Source: EPE / Elvis My Happiness)

March 18 - Elvis Presley In China

Sony Music Entertainment China announced the re-release of the CD/DVD-package '猫王: Elvis Presley' packed in a 3D package.

CD 1:
I Just Can´t Help Believin´ - Suspicious Minds - Can´t Help Falling In Love - Are You Lonesome Tonight? - The Girl Of My Best Friend - Love Me Tender - Fever - Surrender - Love Me - She´s Not You - A Fool Such As I - Suspicion - Love Letters - And I Love You So - Help Me Make It Through The Night - You Don´t Have To Say You Love Me - Spanish Eyes - It´s Only Love - Bridge Over Troubled Water
CD 2:
My Happiness - That´s All Right - Shake, Rattle And Roll / Flip Flop And Fly - Heartbreak Hotel - Blue Suede Shoes - Ready Teddy - Don´t Be Cruel - Teddy Bear - Got A Lot Of Living´To Do - Jailhouse Rock - Treat Me Nice - King Creole - Trouble - Fame And Fortune - Return To Sender - Always On My Mind - American Trilogy - If I Can Dream - Unchained Melody - Memories
DVD:
Boyhood Drdams - The Colonel - Uncle Milty - Back To Music - Loving You - Mom And Dad - Jailhouse Rock - Choreography - Upsetting Tragedy - Drafted - Collage - End Credits


(Source: Elvis Info)

March 14 - Greatest Hawaiian Hits And Movies

The Golden Stars (Cargo Records) budget label announced the release of the 3CD box-set simply entitled 'Greatest Hits' with March 23 as the release-date.


Greatest Movies


Paramount Pictures announced the re-elease of 'Roustabout', 'King Creole', 'Fun In Acapulco' and the double feature 'Blue Hawaii / Paradise Hawaiian Style' on May 15, 2012 in Canada.


Such a Night In Pearl Harbor


A couple of weeks sooner than announced, we just received the newest Memphis Recording Service release: 'Such a Night In Pearl Harbor'. Memphis Recording Service in association with JAT Productions releases the next Elvis Presley titled ‘Such A Night in Pearl Harbor’. It contaisn a completely new re-mastered CD of Elvis’ performance of the benefit co


(Source: Amazon / ElvisMatters)

March 12 - Honoring Two Groundbreaking Kings

Elvis Presley and Martin Luther King, Jr are honored in a new song. According to the Memphis Daily News, a new music video recently filmed in Memphis features the unlikely duo of veteran country artist Pam Tillis and Memphis native and rising rhythm and blues star Kris Thomas. It’s a tribute song honoring the lives of Elvis Presley and Martin Luther King Jr. called “Two Kings.”


“This song is just an earnest attempt to honor each man’s legacy and asks, ‘What will you do to make the world a better place?’” said Tillis, who has charted more than 30 singles on the U.S. Billboard country charts, including the 1995 No. 1 single “Mi Vida Loca (My Crazy Life)”.
Thomas said the message of the song is powerful and relevant, especially in today’s world. “And all the connections to Memphis make this song really special to me being a Memphis native,” Thomas said. “Plus being able to sing and work in the studio with Pam was such a thrill and an education for me.”

Groundbreaking Works Set For November
 
Memphis' city council recently said "yes" to spend millions on upgrading Elvis Presley Boulevard. The move is expected to boost tourism and quality of life for people living in Whitehaven, specifically between Brooks and Shelby drive. The groundbreaking is set for November. It's a $43 million price tag, but some say the big bucks spent now will reap benefits from tourism, to attracting private developers.



The Complete '68 Comeback Special
 
The renewed version of the '40th anniversary' edition of The Complete '68 Comeback Special. The content on the 4 discs is the same as the 2008 release, but the package is different and matches the releases of the 60s and 70s masters, complete with a detailed booklet about this legendary broadcast.


(Source: Memphis Examiner / Fox News / ElvisMatters)

March 11 - Follow That Rare Rumor

The March 2012 Follow That Dream releases were released. The Classic Album Edition of 'On Stage - February 1970', the double CD 'Our Memories Of Elvis' and the vinyl re-issue 2 L.P. set 'His Hand In Mine'.


Madison Square Rumor


The Australian Elvis Information Network 'has heard a reliable rumour that FTD is planning a not-too-far-away 'Madison Square Garden' Classic Album double-FTD'. This past weekend the Venus import label announced their bootleg special double-pack of Elvis' well-known two RCA released Madison Square Garden performances called 'Operation: Big Apple' but taken from newly discovered source tapes (according to the importlabel).



Rare Elvis Volume 7

Volume 7 in the 'Rare Elvis' CD series was released with the title 'The California Recordings'. The CD comes in a six-panel digipack. 


The Complete Unedited Masters: 
Girls! Girls! Girls! / Thanks To The Rolling Sea / Return To Sender / Song Of The Shrimp / Speedway / Suppose (long Version) / Let Yourself Go / Your Time Hasn’t Come Yet Baby / Five Sleepy Heads / Who Are You / He’s Your Uncle Not Your Dad / Medley: Nothingville / Big Boss Man / Guitar Man / Little Egypt / Trouble / Guitar Man / If I Can Dream / Suppose (short Version). 
Original Album Mix: 
Let’s Forget About The Stars. 
The Undubbed Masters: 
Baby If You’ll Give Me All Your Love (binaurel) / Clean Up Your Own Backyard / Almost. The Outtakes: A Dog’s Life (vocal Overdub Take 1) / Am I Ready (take 2) / It Hurts Me (section 4, Take 1) / I’m Falling In Love Tonight (takes 7 & 6) / Spring Fever (takes 2, 3 & 4) / Please Don’t Stop Loving Me (takes 8 & 9) / Saved (alternate Take).



(source: FECC / Elvis My Happiness)